Preserving existing revenues is an essential component of the work of school business officials. The broad ranges of activities that can affect school district revenues make identifying potential threats difficult. By understanding the issues that affect school district revenue, school business officials are better able to diminish its erosion--a…

Results of a comprehensive survey of existing state pupil transportation programs including funding factors. (Author/MLF)

The second of two articles addresses recent school finance litigation raised in five states. These decisions appear to have strengthened the concept of education as a state responsibility, so much so that the likelihood of significant reversal toward increased local autonomy appears to be improbable. (MLF)

Argues for the elimination of the control that some municipal fiscal boards have over education. (IRT)

Between 1982-83 and 1986-87 states boosted aid for public elementary and secondary schools by 41 percent. Variation among the states is due to enrollment changes, fiscal conditions, and priorities. A chart shows percents of revenue increases (state, local, and federal) and enrollment changes by state. (MLF)

The Alberta Management and Finance Plan (MFP) for the administration of, distribution of, and reporting on educational funding will be implemented in stages during the next three years. A process chart illustrates the MFP. (MLF)

A Nevada study provides information on the following: (1) 1987-88 general fund budget allocations for all 17 school districts; (2) Nevada's school district costs compared with those from a national sample of comparable districts; and (3) district-by-district trends in the number of teachers, administrators, and auxiliary staff employed over a…

Describes the efforts of Canadian provinces to create more effective, efficient, and diverse educational systems. Discusses the four principles of new delivery-system design, the ideal school district size, current trends in school governance, legal issues, and linguistic and religious educational rights. (Nine references) (LMI)

State credit-enhancement programs for school districts lower interest costs and increase market acceptance for the bond issues. School districts receive higher bond ratings than they would have based on their own credit standings. Describes programs in 14 states that are recognized and rated by at least 1 major bond rating agency. (MLF)

Reports on a study that provides a nationwide empirical test of the claim that lotteries enhance public education spending. Findings reveal that state per capita income is by far the most powerful determinant of school support. Lottery status of the state does not explain a significant amount of variation in support and effort for education. (MLF)

With reference to current fiscal distress in California, sources of school district revenue are described, potential local revenue sources identified, and equity issues involved in increased local funding noted. (MJL)

The Nebraska legislature created the Commission of Industrial Relations to resolve labor disputes between governmental agencies and their employees. Refinement of the commission's practices has led to the basic premise of comparability--teachers who perform similar work in similar size school districts should receive similar compensation and…

The magnitude of special education funding requirements has placed strains on both state and local budgets. Funding formulas for special education can be grouped as resource based, child based, or cost based. A table provides a summary of the incentives and disincentives associated with each type of funding. (13 references) (MLF)

Traces efforts to develop a statewide plan for computerized school bus fleet operation by means of questionnaires distributed to all 58 county education offices, 7 regional data processing centers, and selected private school bus contractors and school districts. Findings indicate significant potential savings for fleets of 20 or more busses. (JBM)

Discusses alternative sources for school funding to replace the traditional heavy reliance on local property taxes and addresses the problem of financial inequity between school districts. Proposes complete state financing of all school districts and an increased state income tax as possible alternatives to local property tax-based school funding.…